Page 11 of Master B-0361
“You really don’t have to. Just…” He walked by the table again with his cup, sitting. “Just do what I tell you to. If I don’t ask, don’t do it. It’s very simple.”
I nodded, debating to say more when knocking sounded. The surprise couldn’t be held from my Master’s face.
“Did they already pick up the body?”
“Yes, Master. While you were in the shower.”
“Who the hell is that?”
My hands clutched in my lap as he stood and headed for the door. When he opened it, my lips parted through shock.
“Hale. What are you doing here?”
A tall man in a leather jacket, covered in tattoos, pushed through, walking my way in a quick stride. The moment he saw me, he jolted to a stop.
“Hale. I asked you a question.”
“Who’s this?”
I stood, heading for the giant who couldn’t have been mistaken as anyone other than my Master’s brother. Both had light blond hair. Both had light colored eyes. My Master was tall, but this man dwarfed him. He was easily a few inches shy of seven feet.
“I’m slave eight-forty-two. So nice to meet you, Master.”
“Oh, hell no.” His head gave a hard shake. “Don’t say that.” He glanced over. “She looks like Maggie.”
“No she doesn’t.” My Master angrily shook his head.
“Bullshit. It’s her bone structure. Her jaw and cheekbones.” His eyes squinted as he moved in closer to my face. “Same eye shape. Same hair color. It’s a little eerie, actually. Is that what you’re doing here?”
“You don’t worry about me. Why areyouhere, Hale?”
The giant scanned my face again, finally turning to my Master.
“Because I’m pissed.” He got quiet, confusion and uncertainty filling his tone. “He did it. He had to of. I keep replaying it over and over again. The bastard fucked with my mind.”
“Elec? No way. We’re immune. Off limits. You know that.”
“Immune? Off limits? Apparently not anymore. I’m telling you. I’ve gone over the last few weeks and I’m…missing shit. Time. I’m missing a check-in while I was here. It was the first night June was moved to the apartment. I was protecting her. I was doing my job.You know me, Sebastian. I wouldn’t forget to report. No way in hell. He got in my head, and I don’t like it. I’dconfront him, but…I think that’ll make things worse. I have to make a report.”
Silence played out between them as my Master placed his hand on my lower back, leading me to the table. He didn’t have to tell me to sit. I lowered, dropping my head again as I quietly started eating.
“You’re mistaken, brother. It’s been a rough few weeks for us all. You most certainly have vacation time. I think perhaps you should take it and go somewhere tropical. Don’t rock the boat. Let it go and keep your distance.”
“Are you fucking with me too? You want me to let him get away with breaking one of our laws? I’m off limits.To all of you.Especially him. I warned him that I’d go above his head, and I’m going to. Elec thinks he’s the all-mighty God because he’s the Main Master, but he’s still Elec. He’s not shit. Fuck him. He crossed the line, and he’s going to pay for it.”
My Master’s head shook, and he let out a sigh.
“Are you positive that he’s done this? Do you have evidence? You can’t go to the Uppers and present your case without proof. You know that, Hale. They will laugh you out of there so fast, and you’ll lose all credibility. I know you’re mad at the thought but think rationally. Do this right.”
A growl came from the giant.
“How would I have proof? He controls security. He has access to all the cameras here. Everyone is his fucking puppet.”
“Thenlet…it…go.Until you have proof, you have nothing. Do not tarnish our name with a temper tantrum in front of the Uppers because you don’t like Elec. You have status most of us don’t because of your job protecting the wives. Your reputation is flawless. You’re smart. Act like it.”
Hale’s head shook as he glared toward my Master.
“I’m not stupid, Sebastian. As my brother, I thought you’d have my back. I should have known.”